Tim Thomas Leaves Bruins to Pursue Life Beyond Hockey
Tuche, Tim. Tuche.
Some people love controversy and have a knack for stealing the spotlight from those who deserve it more. Tim Thomas has no problem with doing such things. In the season after Timmy captivated millions of hockey fans across North America and throughout the World, he used his celebrity status (which was only in its infancy) to express his controversial opinions which, quite frankly, the majority of hockey fans could have went without. It's OK Tim, we gave you a mulligan. But in arrogant fashion (DON'T TREAD ON ME!) he decided to pick the one year anniversary of his crowning achievement to steal the spotlight again. Choosing to leave the Bruins organization with hopes of pursuing a personal life with his family. The New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings deserve to share the spotlight of the Hockey World with no-one. They have worked harder than they ever have before to have the right to be Stanley Cup Champions, something Tim Thomas knows all too well after his magical run in 2011.
This isn't to say that I admonish the reasons given for taking a year off. A man that has been through the professional sports wringer at 38 years old, has earned the right to want to spend time with family and friends. There is no doubt that the man must feel tired and worn out, just as we saw Niklas Lidstrom express with his farewell address. Men that have given so much to this sport to achieve that status that they own. We are in no position to question their motives for what it is that they desire.
Having said that, there is one difference between these two stars, Style. Over the past few seasons we have seen Tim Thomas succeed on the ice with his unorthodox style. He rewrote the book on doing whatever it takes to save a puck from crossing the goal line. But his unorthodox style has failed him in the PR department. Choosing to shed light on the true makeup of his character he has forced many, who once embraced him without hesitation, to re-evaluate their personal opinions of him, which he should be able to respect based upon his comments while on his rather large soap box. Niklas Lidstrom gracefully left the game he loved respectfully, leaving a positive mark on this game. Tim Thomas took his ball and went home (which is now Colorado, apparently). Fans and the Bruins have responded with little despair over his departure except for the 5 million dollar limitation he has gifted the Bruins on their salary cap. Oh Well, Tuukka needed to get more of the workload anyways, I guess he can have all of it.
Thank you Tim for all the success that you have given to the Boston Bruins, it was an honor to watch you win a championship for this City and your loyal, knowledgeable fan base (pink hats excluded). However, you will do whatever it is that you want to do. You have made that abundantly clear. I hope you find exactly what you are looking for. Next time try to relay that message with a little more respect for those that it affects, if that isn't to much to ask of you.
